Mountain Formation Jessica Ricard May 28, 2016 Rasmussen College Mountain Formation. The formation of mountains is a geological process differs depending on the type of mountain formed. There are three main types of mountains which are all formed differently but by geological processes involving the movement of tectonic plates or wind forces or magma pressure from the inner core of the earth structure. The different types of mountains are such as, Fold Mountains, volcanic mountains, and Block Mountains. The earth has numerous mountains on its surface in different global locations; however, the type of mountain formed on the earth`s surface is entirely dependent on the prevailing climatic conditions or tectonic movement within the region (See, 1907). Therefore, similar types of mountains are found in environments or locations bearing similar conditions such as climates, surface covers, and wind intensity. The compressional forces in the earth`s crust result to the gradual motion of tectonic plates. Tectonic plates are two sub-layers found in the lithosphere( earth`s crust) that move independently based on the crust pressure level, the two layers move, float or collide thus leading to continental drifts, earthquakes, volcanoes and mountain formation (See, 1907). The gradual but pressurized movement of tectonic plates within the earth`s crust transgress into external geological formations on the surface of the earth. Isostatic uplift is the gradual lifting of the earth surface due to the decline in the overall unit mass of ice sheets which is caused by gradual warming of the earth surface. Therefore, the continental rebound is responsible for the gradual uplift of earth surface in regions where ice sheets had suppressed the earth ground surface. Continental rebound coupled with igneous matter intrusion ultimately force the surface rocks upward due to the consequent pressure levels ultimately creating a landform superior in height than surrounding features. Over the course of time, agents of erosion in the environment erode the uplifted surfaces; the erosion is a gradual geological activity influenced by climate agents such as ice, the wind, rain, and gravity. However, the process is extremely gradual and occurs in millions of years due to the nature of crust and surface rocks. This accounts for the mountains observable in the surface of the earth. As earlier mentioned the different types of mountains are formed through various processes and agents. Therefore, to understand the formation of mountains it is mundane to critically analyze the structure of the different types of mountains and the different environmental agents that influence such formations on the surface of the earth. Volcanic mountains According to Green (2011), a volcano is a vent in the earth surface formed by pressure forces in the colliding tectonic plates that act as a release channel for magma in the lithosphere to rea ...

1. Mountain Formation
Jessica Ricard
May 28, 2016
Rasmussen College
Mountain Formation.
The formation of mountains is a geological process differs
depending on the type of mountain formed. There are three main
types of mountains which are all formed differently but by
geological processes involving the movement of tectonic plates
or wind forces or magma pressure from the inner core of the
earth structure. The different types of mountains are such as,
Fold Mountains, volcanic mountains, and Block Mountains. The
earth has numerous mountains on its surface in different global
locations; however, the type of mountain formed on the earth`s
surface is entirely dependent on the prevailing climatic
conditions or tectonic movement within the region (See, 1907).
Therefore, similar types of mountains are found in environments
or locations bearing similar conditions such as climates, surface
covers, and wind intensity.
The compressional forces in the earth`s crust result to the
gradual motion of tectonic plates. Tectonic plates are two sub-

2. layers found in the lithosphere( earth`s crust) that move
independently based on the crust pressure level, the two layers
move, float or collide thus leading to continental drifts,
earthquakes, volcanoes and mountain formation (See, 1907).
The gradual but pressurized movement of tectonic plates within
the earth`s crust transgress into external geological formations
on the surface of the earth.
Isostatic uplift is the gradual lifting of the earth surface due to
the decline in the overall unit mass of ice sheets which is
caused by gradual warming of the earth surface. Therefore, the
continental rebound is responsible for the gradual uplift of earth
surface in regions where ice sheets had suppressed the earth
ground surface. Continental rebound coupled with igneous
matter intrusion ultimately force the surface rocks upward due
to the consequent pressure levels ultimately creating a landform
superior in height than surrounding features. Over the course of
time, agents of erosion in the environment erode the uplifted
surfaces; the erosion is a gradual geological activity influenced
by climate agents such as ice, the wind, rain, and gravity.
However, the process is extremely gradual and occurs in
millions of years due to the nature of crust and surface rocks.
This accounts for the mountains observable in the surface of the
earth. As earlier mentioned the different types of mountains are
formed through various processes and agents. Therefore, to
understand the formation of mountains it is mundane to
critically analyze the structure of the different types of
mountains and the different environmental agents that influence
such formations on the surface of the earth.
Volcanic mountains
According to Green (2011), a volcano is a vent in the earth
surface formed by pressure forces in the colliding tectonic
plates that act as a release channel for magma in the lithosphere
to reach the earth surface and erupt as lava. The Asthenosphere,
a section of the earth mantle found directly beneath the
lithosphere is composed of molten rock moving at high
pressures subdued by the viscous nature of silica found in the

3. magma. The high pressure present in the viscous magma erupts
on the surface of the earth when an opening in the form of a
vent is found. The narrow vent allows the magma to build up in
pressure as it exits the lithosphere and into the surface.
As the eruption occurs, lava, ash, and boiling mud are hurled
into the surrounding air. The degree of magma pressure and
content determines the extent the lava flows within the surface
before cooling (Green, 2011). The lava gradually flows from the
vent and eventually cools then hardens on the surface eventually
leading to a raised land surface that is higher than the
surrounding environment not covered by the flowing lava. The
vent is surrounded by cooled lava up until the highest level of
cooled lava. Every time the magma erupts through the vent the
level of cooled lava increases gradually over time, therefore
leading to an increase in height of the newly formed landform.
The nature of the lava formed is dependent on the nature and
pressure of the erupted magma. High pressure and high-
intensity lava is characterized by elevated levels of gas; the
rocks consequently formed after the lava cools is less dense
rocks that are easily withered and eroded over the course of
time (Green, 2011). Also, the other type of lava flow is low
pressure and viscous magma that does not hurl out as
aggressively as the less viscous lava. This type of lava flow
leads to steeper and higher volcanoes as the pressure release
does not lead to high levels of lava scatter but an intense degree
of concentration. Therefore, upon the gradual flow of lava
during the volcanic activities, the cooled lava grows in height,
one eruption of the other. The structure of volcanic mountains is
affected by the agents such as the wind, erosion, and
gravitational pull. However, the formation of any volcanic
mountain is completely dependent on the pressure and intensity
of the magma-induced by the collision of tectonic plates
floating on the surface of molten lava from the crust.
Fold Mountains
The earth`s lithosphere is not solid or rigid but instead is
surrounded by floating masses that are constantly on gradual

4. moves referred to as tectonic plates. The tectonic plates float
and move around the asthenosphere in uncontrolled,
unpredictable motions thus leading to constant collisions and
alignment in the plates` motions (Kalman, 2009). There are
seven major plates in the lithosphere surrounded by eight
medium sized plates which are also surrounded by several other
plates that altogether move depending on the direction and level
of pressure within the crust. The thickness levels of the earth`s
crust differ between land and ocean regions. The level of
thickness on the earth`s surface covered by grass is higher and
relatively larger than the thickness of the earth`s surface
covered by masses of water. The surface covered by water
masses is mostly covered in sedimentary rocks which are
relatively less dense than other rock types found on the surface
of the earth (Kalman, 2009).
Therefore, when plates converge and subsequently move
together along the lithosphere, the movements cause an upward
push in sedimentary rocks which in turn develop into folds. The
folds formed are subject to growth and development due to
continuous movement underneath the surface (Robinson &
Barnett, 1963). The gradual rise in the folds leads to an upward
surge in different folds where the tectonic movements fold the
sedimentary rocks. Fold Mountains are mostly found within the
continental edges due to the movement and interaction of
continental and oceanic plates leading to the disintegration and
gradual folding of the sedimentary rocks. The movement and
gradual collision of plates make the surface surrounding the
plates disintegrate to folds due to the less dense nature of
sedimentary rocks that are found at the edge of continents; the
rocks rise eventually developing into inclined land masses upon
emerging from the ocean cover (Robinson & Barnett, 1963).
The formation of sedimentary rocks is gradual and usually takes
millions of years before the collided rocks can fold high enough
to emerge from the surface of the ocean. Fold Mountains like
the Himalayas continues over time due to the collision of plates
within the lithosphere.

5. Block Mountains
Due to the relatively denser and harder nature of rocks within
the earth surface, pressure from the earth`s crust does not fold
the rocks like in the case of fold mountains but instead develop
lines of weakness in the form of faults. The pressure arising
from the movements of tectonic plates cause the rocks to
develop gradual weakness and consequently develop lines of
weakness in faults. The pressure emanating from the plate
movement results to upward tendencies which result to upward
inclination and downward descend of rocks on the surface
(Branson, 1998).
The large crustal blocks push the rock surfaces away, therefore,
creating weakness at the surfaces. Increased pressure from
within the crust determines the movement of the weakened
rocks with some moving upward and others collapse due to the
lines of weakness. The cracks in the earth`s crust are further
moved by movements of the plates which lead to earthquakes at
times and mountains can be formed too due to the gradual
movements within the cracks in the surface (Branson, 1998).
The pressure emanating from the crust of the earth ultimately
pushes the block of weakened surface upwards while other
chunks of land are tilted towards the side. Over years the
surface is pushed further upwards due to the converging forces
within the crust; however, on the other sides of the faults, the
land tilts downwards forming a depression that is gradually
filled over time due to the erosion of the formed mountain.
Mountains are formed by the gradual movement of the plates
within the asthenosphere which translate to pressure levels
affecting the surface of the earth through the lithosphere. The
size of volcanic mountains is determined by the volcanic
activity of the region and the amount of lava passing through
the vent and the duration. The cooling lava then forms the
mountain which develops in size over the course of time. Fold
Mountains, on the other hand, are formed over long periods
when sedimentary rocks are pushed up in folds due to the
collision of tectonic plates. Block Mountains are formed by

6. pressure resulting from plate movement within the crust. The
type of mountain formed is determined by the process which led
to its formation. However, the formation of mountains is never
complete due to the constant movement of plates within the
crust.
References
Branson, J. (1998). Soil genesis and classification in the
Whiteoak Mountain fault block in East Tennessee.
Green, J. (2011). Mountains. New York: Powerkids Press.
Kalman, B. (2009). Earth's mountains. New York: Crabtree Pub.
Robinson, G. & Barnett, H. (1963). Geology of the Three Forks
quadrangle, Montana. Washington: U.S. Govt. Print. Off.
See, T. (1907). The cause of earthquakes, mountain formation
and kindred phenomena connected with the physics of the earth.
[Philadelphia].
Course: G245/GLY1000 - Intro Geology - Rasmussen College
Instructor: Michelle Sutherland

7. Assignment: Rough Draft Geology Project
Section
Description
Points Earned
Points Possible
A.
Cover Page
1
1
B.
Page 1 of Paper of Text
10.75
11
a. Introduction paragraph with thesis present. Thesis is a
strong, independent sentence. (1 point)
b. Paper written in complete sentences with proper punctuation.
(1 points)
c. All words spelt correctly, including scientific terms. (1
point)

8. d. Paper flows from one paragraph to another (aka transitions).
(1 points)
e. Material presented in a logical order. (1 point)
f. Font is Times New Roman, size 12, and paper is double
spaced. (1 point)
g. Written in third person, thus NO USE of I, we, me, you, us,
or our. (1 point)
h. All sources cited with intext citations in APA format - for
written portions. (2 points)
-0.25
i. Paper is in student own words and no material COPIED
WORD FOR WORD from source. (In case of a quote present
from a source, quoting requirements must be present per APA
format.) (2 points)
Comments:
C.

9. Page 2 of Paper of Text
9.75
10
a. Paper written in complete sentences with proper punctuation.
(1 points)
b. All words spelt correctly, including scientific terms. (1
point)
c. Paper flows from one paragraph to another (aka transitions).
(1 points)
d. Material presented in a logical order. (1 point)
e. Font is Times New Roman, size 12, and paper is double
spaced. (1 point)
f. Written in third person, thus NO USE of I, we, me, you, us,
or our. (1 point)
g. All sources cited with intext citations in APA format - for
written portions. (2 points)
-0.25

10. h. Paper is in student own words and no material COPIED
WORD FOR WORD from source. (In case of a quote present
from a source, quoting requirements must be present per APA
format.) (2 points)
Comments:
D.
Page 3 of Paper of Text
9.75
10
a. Paper written in complete sentences with proper punctuation.
(1 points)
b. All words spelt correctly, including scientific terms. (1
point)
c. Paper flows from one paragraph to another (aka transitions).
(1 points)
d. Material presented in a logical order. (1 point)

11. e. Font is Times New Roman, size 12, and paper is double
spaced. (1 point)
f. Written in third person, thus NO USE of I, we, me, you, us,
or our. (1 point)
g. All sources cited with intext citations in APA format - for
written portions. (2 points)
-0.25
h. Paper is in student own words and no material COPIED
WORD FOR WORD from source. (In case of a quote present
from a source, quoting requirements must be present per APA
format.) (2 points)
Comments:
E.
Page 4 of Paper of Text
9.75
10
a. Paper written in complete sentences with proper punctuation.
(1 points)
b. All words spelt correctly, including scientific terms. (1

12. point)
c. Paper flows from one paragraph to another (aka transitions).
(1 points)
d. Material presented in a logical order. (1 point)
e. Font is Times New Roman, size 12, and paper is double
spaced. (1 point)
f. Written in third person, thus NO USE of I, we, me, you, us,
or our. (1 point)
g. All sources cited with intext citations in APA format - for
written portions. (2 points)
-0.25
h. Paper is in student own words and no material COPIED
WORD FOR WORD from source. (In case of a quote present
from a source, quoting requirements must be present per APA
format.) (2 points)
Comments:

13. F.
Page 5 of Paper of Text
11
11
a. Paper written in complete sentences with proper punctuation.
(1 points)
b. All words spelt correctly, including scientific terms. (1
point)
c. Paper flows from one paragraph to another (aka transitions).
(1 points)
d. Material presented in a logical order. (1 point)
e. Font is Times New Roman, size 12, and paper is double
spaced. (1 point)
f. Written in third person, thus NO USE of I, we, me, you, us,
or our. (1 point)

14. g. All sources cited with intext citations in APA format - for
written portions. (2 points)
h. Paper is in student own words and no material COPIED
WORD FOR WORD from source. (In case of a quote present
from a source, quoting requirements must be present per APA
format.) (2 points)
i. Conclusion Paragraph
Comments:
G.
Reference Page
6.5
7
a. At least 5 references are used - none of which are
WIKIPEDIA (as content in Wikipedia can be changed by anyone
at any time). (2 points)
b. Reference list is in APA formatting - including proper
placement of article title, author information and publication
year. (2 points)
-0.5

15. c. All publication dates presented, including webpage
'Copyright' or "Last Updated On' dates where appropriate. (1
points)
d. All photos, pictures, graphs, charts, etc have source citations
by them in APA format, and sources included in reference list.
(2 points)
Comments:
H.
TOTAL POINTS
58.5
60
* Please note that if you have more than 5 pages of text, that is
perfectly fine and you will
receive additional feedback on all pages.